A brutally steep classic climb to Planche des Belles Filles
France, europe
5.9 km
1,148 m
moderate
Year-round
# Planche des Belles Filles
Tucked away in the Vosges Mountains within France's Haute-Saône department, Planche des Belles Filles sits pretty at 1,148 meters (3,766 feet) above sea level. The name literally means "Beautiful Girls," though it actually comes from the local vegetation—so don't let the romantic-sounding title fool you!
The climb up via D16-D16E is a beast. Starting from Plancher-les-Mines, you're looking at a 5.9 km (3.7 mi) assault on your legs with 503 meters (1,650 feet) of elevation gain. The average gradient hangs around 8.5%, but things get spicy near the top—we're talking a brutal 28% stretch that'll make your quads scream. This climb absolutely destroyed egos when Chris Froome first conquered it during the 2012 Tour de France, claiming his first stage victory in La Grande Boucle.
What makes this road infamous isn't just the punishing gradient; it's the relentless, constantly changing steepness from bottom to finish. Unlike most French roads with their carefully engineered, predictable slopes, Planche des Belles Filles keeps you guessing with unforgiving elevation changes at every turn. The road itself is wide enough for two cars to pass comfortably, but that paved surface leads to a genuinely feared ski slope finale that's humbled countless cyclists.
Fair warning: this climb isn't for the faint of heart. It's one of the most notorious and feared ascents in the entire Vosges range, and it shows absolutely zero mercy from start to finish.
Where is it?
A brutally steep classic climb to Planche des Belles Filles is located in France (europe). Coordinates: 45.9777, 2.5906
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 5.9 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,148 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 45.9777, 2.5906
Related Roads in europe
hardWhy is it Called Pančić's Peak?
🌍 Serbia
Okay, adventure seekers, let's talk about Pančić's Peak! This bad boy tops out at 2,017 meters (that's 6,617 feet for my American friends), straddling the border between Serbia and Kosovo. Ever wonder about the name? It's a tribute to Josif Pančić, a Serbian botanist. They even moved his remains up there and built a little mausoleum next to the radio tower in his honor – pretty cool, right? Word is, you're not *supposed* to go inside, though. You'll find this peak nestled in the Kopaonik mountains, right on the edge of Serbia's Raška municipality and Kosovo's Mitrovica District. So, how do you get there? From the Serbian side, things get interesting! The road from the P211 is unpaved and a bit rough, so a 4x4 is definitely your friend here, especially in winter. It's only 4 kilometers (about 2.5 miles) long, but it's a climb, gaining nearly 300 meters in elevation. Get ready for a steep ride! Heads up: There's no road access from the Kosovo side.
hardHow long is the road through Haukadalsskardh?
🇮🇸 Iceland
Okay, buckle up, adventure seekers! Haukadalsskarð is a mountain pass that'll have you holding your breath (in a good way!), perched 375 meters (1,230 feet) high on Iceland's west coast. This isn't your Sunday drive, folks! We're talking about a 34.8 km (21.62 miles) stretch of pure, unadulterated F-Road fun, running from Road 60 to, well, the middle of nowhere spectacular! You'll start on Road 60 and BAM! You're on F586, climbing out of the valley and heading straight for the pass. Forget smooth asphalt; this baby's all gravel, all the time. Think narrow, think steep, and definitely think "four-wheel drive." Oh, and did I mention you'll be fording a shallow river multiple times? Expect some ankle-deep splashes, maybe a creek or two, keeping things interesting. This road is strictly a summer fling, usually open from late June to early September. You'll likely have the place all to yourself, sharing it with the occasional sheep and views that'll make your jaw drop. Seriously, the scenery is out of this world. Get ready for landscapes you won't believe are real!
hardNedeia
🇷🇴 Romania
Okay, adventurers, listen up! Let's talk about the Nedeia Pass in Romania, straddling Vâlcea and Gorj counties. This baby climbs up to a whopping 2,085 meters (that's 6,840 feet!), making it one of the highest roads you'll find in the country. Now, don't get any ideas about cruising in your grandma's sedan. This is a gravel road, and it's bumpy. Plus, being so high up, it gets hammered with snow in the winter, so it might be closed without warning. Seriously, come prepared. You'll absolutely need a 4x4. And if it's rained recently? Forget about it – things get tricky with the loose gravel. Do your homework, pack right, and you might just have an unforgettable (and safe!) trip.
hardDriving the historical Pasul Vulcan in the Southern Carpathians
🇷🇴 Romania
Okay, adventure awaits in Romania on the wild and wonderful Pasul Vâlcan! Perched high in the Southern Carpathians, this pass straddles Hunedoara and Gorj counties, offering a taste of western Romania you won't soon forget. We're talking the eastern Vâlcan Mountains here, and the road, known as DJ664, is mostly paved. While most cars can make it in good weather, a 4x4 is definitely your friend on this trip. This winding beauty stretches for about 42 km (26 miles), linking Vulcan (Transylvania) in the north to Târgu Jiu (Oltenia) in the south. Hold on tight because it’s STEEP – we're talking gradients hitting a whopping 22% in places! At the summit, you'll find the Mihai Viteazul monument honoring Romanian WWI heroes, plus old trenches from over a century ago. This pass has seen some serious history! It may have been used by Roman legions to reach Sarmizegetusa Regia and in 1788, the Turks invaded, causing havoc. The place was even mentioned by Jules Verne, in his novel "Carpathian Castle". During WWI, fierce battles raged here. While the pass lost its strategic importance after WWI, it remains an incredibly historic spot and a must-see for tourists.